August Wilson's MA RAINEY'S BLACK BOTTOM
August Wilson’s *Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom*, directed by Lili-Anne Brown and co-produced with Olney Theatre Center, takes place in 1920s Chicago during a tense recording session. As legendary blues singer Ma Rainey and her band confront conflicts over artistic ownership, racial exploitation, ambition, and control, tensions between the musicians and the white studio executives build toward a devastating finale. The production combines blues music, sharp comedy, and poetic insight while examining both the music industry’s exploitation of Black artists and the liberating power of the blues.
The production has been praised by Washington Post, DC Theater Arts, BroadwayWorld, and other local critics for its ensemble performances, vivid treatment of race and ownership, and emotional intensity. It is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
When: September 9–October 18, 2026
Venue: Round House Theatre
Director: Lili-Anne Brown
Co-production: Olney Theatre Center
Run time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission.
Cast: Nicole Michelle Haskins as Ma Rainey; Yao Dogbe as Levee; Ro Boddie as Toledo; Craig Wallace as Cutler; Derrick Truby as Slow Drag; Kanysha Williams as Dussie Mae; Jaylen Henderson as Sylvester; Chris Genebach as Sturdyvant; Michael Glenn as Irvin; and Zach Brewster-Geisz as Policeman.
Tickets: Price not available
Pay-What-You-Can performances: September 9 and September 12 matinee.
Student tickets: Free Play tickets can be reserved for students ages 13 through college.
Audio-described performance: September 19 matinee.
Open-captioned performances: September 20 matinee and September 26 matinee.
Mask-required performance: October 10 matinee.
Black Out Night: October 6.
Post-show discussions: Discussions are scheduled after the performances on September 9, September 10, and September 20. The October 4 discussion features Dr. Khalid Y. Long, president of the August Wilson Society, and Otis Ramsey-Zoe.
Designer discussion: September 9 at 6:45 p.m.
Director discussion: September 11 at 6:45 p.m.
Teen Night: September 11.
Content advisories: Content advisories are available for this production through the theater.
Sponsors: The production is sponsored by Judy and Leo Zickler and supported by Round House Theatre’s Golden Anniversary sponsors.